Crystal methamphetamine, commonly called as crystal meth, is best known as a party scene staple. It is the club drug of choice for many young people because the addictive stimulant boosts the user’s energy. However, people of all ages use (and abuse) the drug. Addiction help for crystal meth dependents is necessary to prevent the worsening of the drug’s physical and psychological effects brought about by crystal meth addiction.

1. Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment
Crystal methamphetamine, commonly called as crystal meth, is best known as a party scene
staple. It is the club drug of choice for many young people because the addictive stimulant boosts
the user’s energy. However, people of all ages use (and abuse) the drug. Addiction help for
crystal meth dependents is necessary to prevent the worsening of the drug’s physical and
psychological effects brought about by crystal meth addiction.
Addiction to crystal meth starts the same way as addiction to other drugs. The individual who
takes the drug the first time gets a rush, and he or she will continue to use the drug to experience
the same feeling. Because it is impossible to replicate the first buzz with the same dose, users
take more. Eventually, they will become hooked and disregard the most important things in their
life such as their family and job. The psychological consequences of crystal meth addiction can
be severe, and the effects on the brain often prevent the person to quit the habit.
Because the only thing that matters is the consumption of crystal meth, addicts fail to understand
the risks that come with their frequent use of the drug. Crystal meth can be taken by drinking,
smoking and snorting. Most of the time, it is injected and addicts often share needles with other
users. This many crystal meth addicts also suffer from HIV or hepatitis B and C.
Sadly, the hold of crystal meth is strongest with the young. While crystal meth addiction is most
common among young adults, kids as young as 12 have been found to use the drug.
Crystal Meth Addiction – Effects on the Body
It is a fact that addiction to a drug such as crystal meth can be very dangerous to the body.
However, some people fail to grasp just how severe the effects are. As was earlier mentioned,
crystal meth users who take the drug by injection are more at risk for HIV, as well as hepatitis B
and C. If left untreated, crystal meth addiction can result in dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease,
liver and kidney failure, pulmonary problems and digestive system damage. Because prolonged
used limits the flow of blood to the brain, addicts are also at risk for stroke. The brain is not
exempted from the effects of crystal meth; in fact, it is directly changed by the drug. This is why
psychiatric disorders and brain damage are also consequences of crystal meth addiction.
Behavioral Changes Apparent in Crystal Meth Addicts
It is rather easy to see if someone is addicted to crystal meth because there are apparent
behavioral changes exhibited by the user. However, sometimes people do not link such changes
to drug abuse. The lack of concentration and poor performance in school or work may seem
harmless, but they are common symptoms of crystal meth addiction. Symptoms also include
drastic mood or personality shifts, paranoia, disorientation and aggressive behavior. The constant
need for cash also often indicates an addiction.

2. If you notice the aforementioned changes in a loved one, you must discover what the real
problem is and help them get help.
Treatment For and Recovery From Crystal Meth Addiction
People do not get addicted to crystal meth for no reason. The need to use the drug is triggered by
something, often a preexisting problem or a psychological disorder. When a crystal meth addict
enters rehab, he or she will undergo detoxification to rid the body of the toxins. Detoxification
only addresses the physical aspect of the addiction; to address the psychological aspect, the
services of mental health professionals are required. Therapy and counseling are a must for any
crystal meth addict to truly recover from the addiction.
The Addiction Hotline maintains an updated and comprehensive list of crystal meth addiction
treatment facilities and rehabilitation centers not only in the country but around the world. Those
in search of treatment for themselves or for their loved ones can call us to find out the best
options. It is our mission to be of aid to anyone battling substance abuse.